1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Israel and the crisis in the Middle EastGerman coalition collapseUS election
ConflictsUkraine

Ukraine: The battle for Bakhmut

May 1, 2023

After almost a year of fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces, the eastern city of Bakhmut has been devastated. Thousands have been killed on both sides and the dispute about who controls the city goes on.

https://p.dw.com/p/4PdLc
An aerial view shows destructions in the frontline town of Bakhmut,.
Bakhmut has been almost completely destroyed, Ukraine saysImage: UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES/REUTERS
Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Wagner group found Yevgeny Prigozhin standing next to his fighters in Bakhmut, Ukraine on May 20, 2023

Ukraine updates: Wagner to leave Bakhmut by June 1

Meanwhile, Kyiv rejects claims that Bakhmut has fallen, saying Russia has "not occupied" the city. DW has more.
ConflictsMay 22, 2023
A Russian Wagner Group mercenary walks through rubble in Bakhmut

Zelenskyy says Russia 'destroyed everything' in Bakhmut

Ukrainian officials insisted they still control parts of Bakhmut after Russian forces claimed victory of the city.
ConflictsMay 21, 2023
Bakhmut, Ukraine

Ukraine updates: Russia 'lying' about Bakhmut, Wagner says

Russian regular army was fleeing its positions near Bakhmut, the head of the Wagner mercenary group said. DW has more.
ConflictsMay 13, 2023
Ukrainian soldiers fire artillery shell near Bakhmut

Ukraine updates: Russia gaining ground in Bakhmut, says UK

The UK Defense Ministry said Russia has "regained some momentum" in the battle for Bakhmut. Follow DW for more.
ConflictsApril 7, 2023
Russian Wagner Group soldiers guard an area in Bakhmut, Ukraine

Explained: Ukraine's fight for Bakhmut

The battle for the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut has become the longest and bloodiest of the war.
ConflictsApril 4, 2023
Ukrainian service member surrounded by smoke and fire, firing a howitzer D30

Ukraine's counteroffensive: Goals, opportunities, risks

Ukraine is preparing for what could be a decisive counteroffensive to liberate territories occupied by Russia.
ConflictsMay 1, 2023
A Ukrainian soldier is seen in a foxhole on the front line near Bakhmut.

Inside the trenches and hospitals of Bakhmut

Bakhmut has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. But the price its defenders are paying is high.
ConflictsMarch 28, 202305:08 min
A man runs away from a damaged brick apartment building. Fire rages inside across several floors.

Bakhmut: 'Fortress city' on Ukraine's front line

Despite fierce fighting, not all civilians have left. A picture of life in the embattled city.
PoliticsMarch 11, 202317 images
Ukrainian soldiers of the 28th brigade pose for a photo in a trench on the front line

Ukraine: Inside the trenches and hospitals of Bakhmut

Bakhmut has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. But the price its defenders are paying is high.
ConflictsMarch 28, 2023
Bakhmut, Ukraine

Updates: Ukraine says Russia 'very far' from taking Bakhmut

Ukraine said Russian forces are "very far" from capturing Bakhmut after Wagner claimed they have captured the town hall.
ConflictsApril 3, 2023
Aerial view of a settlement of red buildings amid snow-covered gardens. In the middle, smoke is rising from a recent explosion.

Bakhmut: What will be the outcome of the battle?

Russian troops are focusing on Bakhmut. How long can the Ukrainian army defend the city?
ConflictsMarch 3, 2023
Two damaged four-floor buildings, one lemon-yellow, with a pile of bricks and debris in front of them.

Life during wartime in Ukraine: Besieged in Bakhmut

Around 8,000 people are holding out in the besieged Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Why do they stay?
ConflictsJanuary 25, 2023